For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Kelly Yochum
Without a doubt, the Word of GOD, in the translated Written Form of your Bible IS the Living Word of GOD.
What makes this so?
Our Faith, and The Holy SPIRIT, Who teaches, guides, uplifts and even corrects us through our Study of GOD'S Written Word.
Try studying one Book of the Bible, say Romans, for one month. Next month, Study the same Book again. Pray each time that GOD would show you What you need to understand.
If you are SAVED, the SPIRIT of GOD Living In You, will Show you why It is the LIVING Word.
Grant Abbott
Do you think that if we studied a passage of scripture in the past (ie. bible study or commentaries) that we may think we have the meaning figured out, so we don't approach our current bible study with an open mind and willing heart to learn? Do we decide on a certain interpretation and we're no willing to change our belief?
In my view, we need to remind ourselves of some foundational truths about the bible to focus our minds on what God wants to reveal to us, not what we want to know. here are some examples:
1. The bible is God's book, it is His revelation to human beings. The Holy Spirit wrote it using human authors but it is exactly what God wants to reveal to us, no errors or omissions. The bible reveals who God is (nature & character), what God wants (intimate personal relationship with every believer), what God has planned for his people (share the gospel, live a holy life and transform our world).
2. The main character in the bible is Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Son of Man, in both the New Testament and Old Testament (see John 5:39-40). Jesus is the only human who knows fully the will of God and we are to follow him.
3. The central theme of the bible is SPIRITUAL LIFE. The bible tells us how we got this life, how we lost it, and how we can get it back again. It tells us how to protect this life, how to grow it to be mature and complete, and how to enjoy it to the full. It tells us how to show this life to others and how to keep it for eternity.